Tag: California

Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe: Kodiak’s Driverless Trucks Start Hauling California Produce

California has a new kind of trucker, and this one never needs a lunch break. Kodiak AI and Fresno-based carrier DTL Transport have launched an autonomous freight pilot moving perishable produce from Fresno to a Los Angeles distribution center — giving the state its first real-world taste of self-driving big rigs on public highways.

The runs cover roughly 225 miles along major California arteries, including State Route 99 and Interstate 5. The cargo is the stuff that fills grocery shelves: crates of harvested grapes, avocados, fresh produce that doesn’t forgive delays. A human safety driver still rides in the cab — California requires it — but the truck drives itself between the Central Valley and the coast.

Why California changed the game

This pilot only exists because California recently opened its public roads to heavy-duty autonomous truck testing. For years the state was the conspicuous holdout: the biggest freight market in the country, walled off from driverless trucking. Kodiak, founded in Mountain View, received its testing permit on August 13. The Fresno-to-LA lane is the company’s first California deployment.

There’s a milestone standing between this pilot and true driverlessness. California requires autonomous trucking companies to log at least 500,000 miles with a safety driver before they can even apply for fully driverless commercial deployment. Every mile the DTL trucks run now counts toward that threshold. It’s a long road — but it’s a defined one, which is more than the industry could say about California a year ago.

The freight problem nobody talks about

Fresh produce is an underappreciated proving ground for autonomy. Perishable freight is time-sensitive in a way dry goods aren’t. A pallet of paper towels can sit. A truckload of grapes can’t. Spoilage, rejected loads, missed cold-chain windows — the costs are real and constant, which makes the reliability argument for autonomous trucks unusually strong here.

Then there’s the driver shortage, the oldest story in trucking. Long-haul routes like Fresno to Los Angeles are exactly the grinds that push drivers out: overnight hauls, irregular sleep, days away from home. Kodiak’s founder and CEO Don Burnette has argued that autonomy lets remaining human drivers concentrate on local jobs they prefer — home at night, regular routes — while the machines take the highway miles. The pilot is a live test of that thesis on one of America’s busiest produce corridors.

The technology has to earn it. Kodiak says its AI-powered software acts as the “brain” of the truck, handling emergency situations independently — safe stops, pull-overs, remote assistance calls when needed. Burnette credits the system’s defensive driving: it sits in the right lane, holds the speed limit, minds its own business. Smooth, predictable driving also means better fuel economy, which matters twice in California, where diesel is expensive and emissions rules are strict.

A company spreading its bets

Kodiak isn’t putting all its trucks in one state. In Texas, the company is preparing unsupervised driverless runs with IKEA between Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston by the end of the year — no safety driver at all. The two efforts complement each other: Texas offers the path to full driverlessness, California offers the biggest freight market. Meanwhile the broader industry is moving the same direction. Einride is rebuilding its stack on Nvidia’s Hyperion platform, ISEE and Holman are scaling driverless yard trucks, and Venti is launching the first autonomous fleet for a U.S. rail yard. Driverless freight is no longer a demo. It’s a supply chain.

What it means for shoppers, growers and investors

For shoppers, the promise is fresher food and steadier prices. Autonomous trucks can run the overnight hours when human drivers are legally required to rest, which means produce harvested in the morning can be on shelves faster. Over time, fewer rejected loads and lower per-mile costs should show up where it matters: the grocery bill.

For growers and carriers, California’s pilot is the green light they’ve been waiting for. A company that proves itself on the I-5 produce corridor can credibly offer autonomy across the country’s hardest regulatory market. The 500,000-mile safety-driver requirement sounds steep, but it converts into something valuable: a documented safety record that other states, shippers and insurers can evaluate. In an industry where trust is the product, miles are the currency.

For investors, watch the mileage counter. Kodiak’s safety case for its Texas driverless launch was reportedly 93% complete at the end of August; California adds a second, larger market to the same ledger. The companies that accumulate verified autonomous miles in the toughest jurisdictions will set the terms for everyone else. Right now, those miles are being measured in crates of grapes — which is as real-world as a test gets.

The trucks still have a human in the cab. But the cargo doesn’t know that, the highway doesn’t care, and the grapes arrive just the same. California’s autonomous freight era has quietly begun — one produce run at a time.

Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe: Angel Gambino to Speak at Powerful Music Tectonics 2025 in Santa Monica

The influential investor and music technology leader joins industry innovators to explore the future of music investment.

The Music Tectonics Conference returns to Santa Monica, California from November 4 to 6, 2025, bringing together founders, investors, and technologists shaping the next generation of music innovation. Among the event’s featured participants is Angel Gambino, a prominent entrepreneur and investor known for her work at the intersection of media, music, and technology. Her presence at the conference reflects the growing convergence of creativity and capital within the modern entertainment economy.

Gambino’s upcoming appearance is set for Tuesday, November 5 at noon, when she will take the stage for a panel focused on investing in music. The discussion will explore new models of funding, technological disruption, and the strategies driving growth in an industry that has rapidly evolved through digital platforms and new forms of rights management.

The Music Tectonics Conference, hosted annually in Southern California, has become a meeting ground for music executives, startup founders, investors, and creators who are building the infrastructure of the digital music world. Each year, the gathering draws participants from across continents who come to exchange ideas, discover collaborations, and examine how technology continues to reshape the art and business of sound.

Santa Monica provides a fitting backdrop for this conversation, as the city remains a central hub for both entertainment and venture activity. The event’s coastal venue, with its open-air networking areas and accessible layout, mirrors the conference’s focus on collaboration and openness within the global music ecosystem.

Angel Gambino’s participation underscores her commitment to empowering creators and investing in ventures that merge innovation with impact. Over the course of her career, she has been a vocal advocate for sustainable business practices within the creative industries and for the role of technology in amplifying artistic reach. Her presence at Music Tectonics highlights the increasing importance of cross-sector expertise as investors and entrepreneurs navigate the rapidly changing dynamics of digital media.

The 2025 program features an array of panels and sessions examining artificial intelligence in music production, blockchain applications for rights management, and new methods for connecting artists directly with audiences. The event also facilitates investor meetings, startup showcases, and live demonstrations of emerging tools that are redefining how music is created, distributed, and monetized.

Attendees can expect three days of in-depth dialogue on the evolving intersections between creativity, commerce, and computation. The agenda encourages open engagement among participants from diverse professional backgrounds, blending the perspectives of established executives with those of founders who are charting new territories in music technology.

Angel Gambino’s role as both a speaker and active participant emphasizes her continued engagement with early-stage innovation. Her session on investment in music aligns with her broader mission to advance equitable opportunities for creators and to support scalable models that reflect the industry’s digital future.

Music Tectonics has built a reputation for hosting thoughtful discussions that extend beyond traditional industry gatherings. By focusing on innovation, the conference creates a platform for practical exploration of how music technology can serve artists and audiences alike. This year’s edition promises to deepen that legacy, especially with the inclusion of influential voices like Gambino’s.

As anticipation builds for the 2025 conference, the Los Angeles area is expected to welcome a community of professionals whose collective expertise continues to redefine the music business. Through its combination of panels, networking, and experiential programming, Music Tectonics remains one of the most forward-looking events in the creative technology calendar.

Angel Gambino’s participation exemplifies the collaborative spirit that drives this evolving sector. Her involvement invites attendees to consider how investment, creativity, and technology can work in concert to build a sustainable and inclusive global music economy.

Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe: Palm Springs New Generation at The Living Desert Zoo: Help Name the Youngest Patas Monkey

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens invites the public to name the newest member of its lively patas monkey family.

At The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert, a bright spark of life has captured the hearts of both guests and caretakers. Born on May 3, 2025, the zoo’s newest patas monkey is already charming visitors with her playful energy and fearless spirit. As the youngest member of a three-generation female troop, this little one represents both continuity and discovery. Her arrival marks another milestone in The Living Desert’s commitment to wildlife conservation and education, and now the zoo is inviting the community to take part in her story by helping to choose her name.

The petite yet determined youngster has quickly become a favorite among her caretakers, who describe her as endlessly curious and full of personality. Whether she’s leaping up the rocks of her habitat or chasing after her elders, she brings a sense of motion and joy to every corner of her enclosure. Under the watchful eyes of her mother and grandmother, she is learning the essential rhythms of troop life—how to forage, play, and navigate her environment with agility and confidence.

The zoo’s Animal Care team notes that her adventurous nature mirrors the athleticism that defines her species. Patas monkeys, known for their speed and adaptability, are the fastest primates in the world, capable of reaching bursts of up to 35 miles per hour. Native to the grasslands and semi-arid regions of sub-Saharan Africa, they thrive in environments that demand resilience and intelligence. The Living Desert’s thriving troop exemplifies the zoo’s dedication to providing environments that honor the animals’ natural instincts and behaviors.

Now, the zoo is turning to the public for the next step in the young monkey’s journey—her official name. In an initiative that combines community engagement with conservation support, visitors and supporters can vote for their favorite of four Swahili names by making a donation to The Living Desert. Each vote, starting at a minimum donation of two dollars, directly supports the zoo’s world-class veterinary care, educational programming, and more than one hundred active conservation projects around the globe.

The winning name will be the one that receives the most donations, making every contribution meaningful both to the animal and to the greater mission of wildlife preservation. Voting remains open through November 11, giving friends of the zoo the opportunity to be part of a story that connects the local community to the landscapes of Africa where patas monkeys naturally roam.

Each name candidate carries with it a sense of heritage, language, and symbolism. Kukua, meaning “to grow” in Swahili, reflects the promise of transformation that defines life in the desert. It represents both physical growth and the broader evolution of knowledge and compassion that The Living Desert seeks to inspire through its programs. The name speaks to resilience, the kind that allows life to thrive even in unexpected places.

Upepo, meaning “wind,” honors the speed and energy of the patas monkey. The name captures the essence of motion and freedom, a tribute to her quick, light movements across the habitat. It also connects to the larger natural forces that shape both her native savannas and the desert landscape she now calls home.

Asili, translating to “nature,” embodies the interconnectedness of all living things. It suggests balance, harmony, and the recognition that every species, no matter how small, contributes to the beauty and function of the world. It is a word that reminds visitors that conservation is not only about protection but also about understanding the intricate relationships that sustain life.

Maisha, meaning “life,” conveys joy, vitality, and endurance. It celebrates the vibrancy of existence in every form, from the energetic leaps of a young monkey to the vast ecosystems that depend on mutual care. Maisha evokes the optimism that runs through the zoo’s mission—to preserve the natural world by cultivating empathy and awareness in each generation of visitors.

Through this naming campaign, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens continues its tradition of connecting people to wildlife in meaningful ways. The zoo, established in Palm Desert as a living museum of desert life, remains a cornerstone of conservation education in California. Its programs extend from local environmental stewardship to international partnerships supporting endangered species and fragile habitats across the globe.

Beyond its conservation work, The Living Desert serves as a community space where learning, recreation, and compassion intersect. Each new birth, such as that of the young patas monkey, becomes an opportunity to engage the public with the realities and rewards of animal care. Visitors often find inspiration in these stories, understanding that their participation—through visits, memberships, or donations—contributes directly to the protection of wildlife.

The decision to invite the public to name the new monkey reinforces this collaborative spirit. It transforms a simple act of naming into a gesture of shared responsibility, inviting people to see themselves as partners in conservation. Every dollar raised through the voting process fuels vital operations that sustain the zoo’s mission, from veterinary innovations to habitat enhancements and global fieldwork.

For many guests, watching the patas troop is a highlight of their visit. The species’ social dynamics are lively and expressive, revealing bonds of care and communication that mirror those of human families. The new infant, often seen darting between her mother’s legs or climbing rocks with youthful enthusiasm, adds a note of joy to these interactions. Her presence reminds visitors of the cycles of life and learning that define both nature and community.

The Living Desert’s approach to conservation has always emphasized education as the foundation of awareness. By integrating cultural elements such as Swahili names, the zoo encourages visitors to appreciate the global connections between species and habitats. Each word carries with it the history of the language and the geography of Africa, bringing authenticity and respect to the act of naming.

As November progresses, the excitement surrounding the vote continues to grow. Supporters from across the region are expected to participate, adding their voices—and their contributions—to the celebration of life embodied in this young monkey. When the winning name is announced, it will signify more than a choice of words. It will stand as a symbol of community, curiosity, and the enduring relationship between people and the natural world.

At 47900 Portola Avenue in Palm Desert, where the desert meets the art of preservation, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens continues to be a place where stories like this unfold. Each animal born there becomes part of a broader narrative of hope and stewardship. For this small, spirited patas monkey, the future begins with a name chosen by the people who care for her and the planet she represents.

Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe: Splash House Palm Springs California No.1 DJ Festival

Every August, the sun-soaked city of Palm Springs comes alive with the pulse of deep basslines, vibrant colors, and the unforgettable energy of Splash House—a one-of-a-kind music festival that fuses the euphoria of electronic music with the relaxed luxury of California desert life. Unlike sprawling music festivals in the middle of nowhere, Splash House feels both intimate and cinematic. There’s no dusty camping, no muddy fields—just stylish swimsuits, glowing sunsets, spontaneous dance circles, and some of the best DJ lineups on the West Coast. It’s a love letter to house music, summer, and the sheer joy of dancing under the sun.

Splash House spans two weekends—August 8 to 10 and August 15 to 17 in 2025—each weekend delivering an all-new lineup and a completely fresh experience. The lineup for Weekend One is stacked with international talent. ACRAZE, whose “Do It To It” redefined TikTok and club playlists across the globe, leads the charge with high-energy performance that sets the tone for an entire weekend of musical revelry. Diplo joins forces with BLOND:ISH in a back-to-back set destined to become legend, blending global grooves, house, and pure dancefloor magnetism. Rising stars like Disco Lines and Westend bring their signature tech-house vibes, while TroyBoi injects his genre-defying style into the mix. Matroda and Wax Motif form their dynamic duo Waxtroda, promising a heavy-hitting after-hours set. Also spinning throughout the weekend are 49th & Main, San Pacho, Wuki, Nostalgix, Loods, HILLS, Devault, JADED, RaeCola, Swimming Paul, and Daniel Allan, each offering their own spin on house, bass, and future funk, all designed to keep the energy flowing nonstop.

Then comes Weekend Two—just as electric, but with a completely different soundscape. Grammy-nominated duo SOFI TUKKER headlines with their tropical-house-meets-pop rhythms that have become festival anthems around the world. Joining them are electro powerhouse Boys Noize and Dirtybird founder Claude VonStroke, whose deep house sensibilities continue to shape dance floors globally. British duo Disclosure offers a DJ set full of sleek grooves and rhythmic precision, while Noizu brings West Coast tech-house to a fever pitch. Meanwhile, Cloonee’s sizzling club-ready sound will close out the after-hours with flair. Up-and-coming acts like Max Styler, BUNT., Neil Frances, AYYBO, and nimino ensure there’s no downtime for your dancing feet. With additions like Annicka, Rafael, Rommii, Taiki Nulight, and Vandelux, the talent is not just top-heavy—every time slot is packed with discovery.

What makes Splash House unlike any other festival isn’t just the lineup. It’s the atmosphere. There’s something alchemical about Palm Springs in the summer: a combination of heat, glamour, and open skies. Splash House captures it perfectly. Each set feels like a private party. The festival’s curation strikes a balance between emerging talent and global legends, with many artists performing special back-to-back sets or rare U.S. appearances. This careful programming creates a unique musical experience that feels both personal and expertly designed.

Equally mesmerizing is the day-to-night format of Splash House. Daytime is a sunlit celebration where friends gather by the pool, basking in the rhythm of tech-house and melodic bass. By night, the scene transforms dramatically. Attendees are transported to the historic Palm Springs Air Museum, where they party under the wings of vintage warplanes with DJ booths set beneath roaring engines and starlit desert skies. It’s a surreal and cinematic switch—one that transforms the festival into something much more than just a daytime pool party.

The experience is immersive without being overwhelming. There’s no mile-long trek to stages, no disorienting crowds. Instead, Splash House feels like the ultimate summer house party—but with better music, better lighting, and a much better view. The festival is reserved for guests 21 and over, making it a more refined atmosphere where style, substance, and celebration coexist.

Splash House has built a loyal following over the past decade, evolving from an indie event into a sought-after summer tradition. It’s one of those rare festivals where the crowd shows up as much for the vibe as for the headliners. You’ll find creative fashion, group costumes, floaties shaped like flamingos, disco balls reflecting off pool water, and a community that is open, playful, and unpretentious. It’s not about who’s wearing the most glitter or who made the perfect Instagram post—it’s about movement, music, and the people you share it with.

In a world where most festivals try to outdo each other with massive stages and multi-million dollar light shows, Splash House does the opposite. It simplifies. It strips things back to what matters most: great music, good people, and an atmosphere so intoxicating that once you go, you’ll be counting down the days until the next one. Without ever relying on gimmicks or overproduced flash, it captures the original spirit of dance culture—connection, spontaneity, and celebration of the now.

If you’re a fan of electronic music—whether you lean toward tech house, tropical beats, future bass, or disco—Splash House is a pilgrimage worth making. It’s the perfect mix of laid-back and high-energy, planned and spontaneous, familiar and refreshingly new. And in the heart of Palm Springs’ desert heat, it manages to feel like a mirage that’s very real: a musical escape where summer never ends, and the beat never fades.

Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe: Worlds Best Modernism Show started with Limon a trendy Design home in Palm Springs

Modernism Week is back – Welcome to the Modernism Week Fall Preview 2021

Limón, a colorful seven-bedroom private escape in South Palm Springs.  Constructed in 1964 and originally built as an apartment house named Stuart Manor, Limón is one of the most unique buildings in Palm Springs as it is an all-steel structure.  Fans of the famous Town and Country Restaurant located in downtown Palm Springs’ “The Center” will be interested to know that its owners and builders, Mr. and Mrs. Clarke, also built this fireproof residential building.

Come enjoy and be inspired by the recent renovations by H3K Design, who have transformed the property into a holiday landing place that can accommodate 14 guests in separate suites, all surrounding a gleaming swimming pool.  Take in the large communal kitchen, fit for a coterie of chefs and outfitted with state-of-the-art appliances and international décor. H3K Design is excited to share this incredible one of a kind property inspired by the optimistic era and continental graphics and style of the 1968 Mexico City Olympics.

The property’s recent renovations utilized brands such as Brizo, Dunn-Edwards Paints, Ferguson Bath, Kitchen and Lighting, Flor, JennAir and Willis.

Learn more about #modernismweek at modernismweek.com

Contributing Reporter: Karl S.

Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe: Los Angeles New Public Health Order Rules Of Thursday 19th March 2020

Stay home alone. You can take a walk, video conference, read a book and read the updates public health measures.

The plan is: SAFER AT HOME! We must slow the number of new cases at home of Covid 19.

Refrain from Gatherings with more than 10 people and many more rules in place. Groups of up to 9 people need to enforce the distance rule at all times. You need to stay at 6 feet apart.

Health care providers have access to protection equipment.

All large event venues remain closed. Food establishments: Only for pickup, delivery or drive-through.

Grocery stores, Farmer Markets and other essential business remain open. Plumbers and electricians remain open. Health care facilities and transportation remains open.

Malls closed and shopping centers. Outdoors malls must enforce strict social distancing.

Playgrounds closed, except within schools.

Do only buy what you need do not pile anything.

Help elders, donate blood, food or hygiene kids.

Mayor Eric Garcetti is confident that this decision data driven will help. 1918 Spanish flu was slowed down in smart cities.

Economic effects, we can not foresee, we need flatten that curve and safe lives. We are all safer at home. Stay at home order from midnight tonight.

11:59 tomorrow this will go in place for businesses.

All companies must stop operations that require presence of staff.

Only exceptions:

  • Get Food
  • Care for relative
  • Healthcare
  • Walk in Neighborhood

Essential businesses may stay open and serve the community.

If we can slow the spread we can slow the spread. It is an order to comply. It is a health emergency. Crime is down and acts of generosity are up. Lights will be on, the water flowing and all will be operating.

This order is in affect till April 19th of 2020.